10 Questions About CycleCT

What is a Shared Lane Marking (SLM) "sharrow" and what does it mean?

Though bicyclists are permitted on all roads, except for limited-access highways, a Shared Lane Marking (SLM) or “sharrow” is a marking on the road used to further specifically communicate that the road is to be shared by both motorists and bicyclists. Motorists should expect to see bicyclists in these zones and treat them like another vehicle. Markings may or may not be accompanied by “Share the Road” signs. Markings and “Share the Road” signage, along with all other traffic control signs and signals, must be obeyed by motorists and bicyclists alike. Pennsylvania law states that whenever a motorist passes a bicyclist, the motorist must maintain at least four feet of space between the car and the bicyclist. The law also states that bicyclists must make reasonable efforts to not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.

Examples of typical road signs - Share the Road and "sharrow" are below.

If you have additional questions or ideas, contact us Planning & Community Development Services, 724-776-4806 x 1104.

Why can’t bicyclists just ride on the sidewalk?

Biking on sidewalks can be dangerous and is discouraged. Furthermore, Pennsylvania law prohibits biking on sidewalks in business districts or where there is a designated “Bicycle Only” lane available. When biking on a sidewalk is necessary, bicyclists must use extreme caution and remember that pedestrians have the right of way.

Why is Cranberry Township installing a bike network?

The Cranberry Plan, which was adopted in 2009, serves as the comprehensive plan for the entire Township to the year 2030. One of the major desires and needs identified by the public during the extensive planning process was to improve transit options and connectivity within the Township by making the community friendlier for bicyclists and pedestrians. The Bike and Pedestrian Connections Plan, a byproduct of the Cranberry Plan, was adopted by the Township’s Board of Supervisors in 2010. The plan spells out the goals and objectives of the Township, identifies both existing bike and pedestrian ways, proposes new segments and improvements, and provides design guidelines for the construction of these new segments and improvements.

Was public input taken into consideration?

Yes, the Township considers public input the most important aspect of any planning initiative. The public was heavily involved in the planning processes for the Cranberry Plan as well as the Bike and Pedestrian Connections Plan through the means of workshops, committees, focus groups, and public meetings.

The segment running from Graham Park to Thorn Hill Road was chosen due to the fact that it was identified as a bikeway by the Township’s Bike and Pedestrian Connections Plan, all roads involved in the project are or will be Township owned roads, existing infrastructure could support this segment without extensive and costly improvements, it was accessible by numerous neighborhoods, provided a non-motorized connection with neighboring Marshall Township, and served a diverse amount of uses including Graham Park, Haine Elementary School, the Freedom Square and BelleVue Commons shopping centers, and Thorn Hill Industrial Park. Bike Map Opens a New Window.

Who is paying for these improvements and who will maintain them?

Cranberry Township, generally, pays for these improvements except for those required to be installed by developers as part of a land development project. The Township also maintains all markings and signage along public roads. Private roads, such as Mackenzie Way in the Cranberry Crossroads development, are maintained by the property owner. The Township seeks opportunities for funding via grants and other means whenever possible.

Where will the next section be located?

The location of the next segment of the network to be improved has yet to be identified. Final determination of this segment will rely on the guidelines set forth in the Bike and Pedestrian Plan, private land development patterns, and other scheduled public works projects. A preliminary list of possible locations for the next segment includes but is not necessarily limited to: North Boundary Road, Thomson Park/Executive Drive, and portions of Unionville Road.

What about major roads like Freedom Road or Route 19?

Freedom Road and Route 19 as well as Route 228, Franklin, Rochester, Rowan, Glen Eden, Plains Church, and Callery, are state-owned roads and all improvements to them are regulated by PennDOT. Cranberry Township staff will continue to analyze these thoroughfares and work with PennDOT to capitalize on any opportunities to enhance these corridors and incorporate them into the Township’s bicycle network per the Bike and Pedestrian Connections Plan.